This April, Peterborough Cathedral will become a realm of prehistoric wonder, as the colossal titanosaur takes its place beneath the soaring tower of one of England’s most iconic medieval spaces. Visitors will have the extraordinary chance to stand in the presence of one of the largest animals ever to walk the Earth and feel the awe-inspiring scale of nature made tangible.
On display at the Cathedral is the full-scale cast of Patagotitan mayorum, the most complete giant dinosaur ever discovered. Stretching 37 metres from head to tail and rising 8 metres high, this magnificent skeleton will command the Cathedral’s central tower and crossing, transforming the space into one of awe and wonder. The titanosaur’s presence allows every visitor to grasp the extraordinary proportions of these prehistoric marvels, bridging millions of years of history in one breathtaking moment.
On loan from London’s Natural History Museum, this internationally renowned cast offers a rare opportunity to experience a titanosaur outside the walls of a traditional museum gallery. Patagotitan belonged to the titanosaur family, the long-necked, plant-eating giants that included the largest land animals in history. Although they could reach enormous sizes in adulthood, these creatures began life in eggs no larger than a grapefruit, growing at a staggering pace, ten times their hatching weight in just two months. Their story is one of wonder, survival, and the fragility of even the planet’s mightiest beings.
The original fossil was discovered in 2010 in Argentina, when a farmer spotted a bone emerging from the Earth. Excavations uncovered around 280 bones from at least six individuals, offering scientists a rare glimpse into the lives of these prehistoric giants. Today, research into Patagotitan mayorum continues to illuminate how such enormous creatures lived, moved, and grew, a testament to the extraordinary scale of life on Earth.
Peterborough Cathedral’s vast, awe-inspiring interior provides the perfect stage for an encounter of this magnitude, continuing its ambitious programme of world-class international installations, including recent exhibition, Helios by Luke Jerram. The Cathedral will complement the titanosaur cast with its own specially curated programme of family activities, interactive learning experiences, and opportunities to engage with the science and story behind these magnificent giants.
Jack Pishhorn, Chief Operating Officer at Peterborough Cathedral, said:
“This is one of the most ambitious and internationally significant exhibitions the Cathedral has ever presented. To welcome a dinosaur from the world-renowned Natural History Museum to Peterborough is extraordinary, and we are proud to make an experience of this scale accessible here in our city. It represents a landmark moment for both the Cathedral and the city, supporting our 2029 City of Culture aspirations and reinforcing our reputation as a destination for world-class cultural experiences.”
Bethan Parry, Director of Strategy and Innovation at London’s Natural History Museum said:
“We’re thrilled that our awe-inspiring Titanosaur has arrived at Peterborough Cathedral for its first UK appearance outside London. Gazing up at Patagotitan mayorum, the largest known dinosaur ever to walk the Earth, is a truly unforgettable experience.
Its immense scale reminds us of the extraordinary giants that once roamed our planet, and of the remarkable animals we still share it with today, from elephants and rhinos to blue whales, many of which are now under threat from habitat loss and human impact.
We hope Titanosaur’s residency will inspire even more visitors of all ages to connect with nature, champion biodiversity and help protect our planet for future generations, while also bringing lasting benefit to Peterborough’s local community.”
Prepare to witness the unimaginable and stand in the presence of history itself.
Event details and tickets are available at: Titanosaur at Peterborough Cathedral event tickets from TicketSource